New Wineskins Convocation opens with evangelicals and some monitors
By John H. Adams, The Layman Online, June 16, 2005
EDINA, Minn. – With about 75 percent of the 1,100-seat sanctuary of Christ Presbyterian Church filled, the New Wineskins Convocation began Wednesday night with evangelicals seeking to agree on a new way of being Presbyterians while some denominational officials and members of liberal activist groups watched the process. Wednesday evening opening worship service.
To those who came to support the New Wineskins Initiative, the group’s moderator, David Henderson said, “You have taken a step that requires significant courage on your part.”
He observed that many wanted to know, “Who are these yoyos, where are we going? So your presence is a sweet gift to us. I come nervous. I come expectant. I come filled with joy. We have gathered across the country to listen to God and follow him.”
He noted that the observers included “denominational executives from this area and beyond, some from the Covenant Network and others from the Theological Task Force on Peace, Unity and Purity.” He also welcomed Presbyterian leaders from “around the world.”
Registration at New Wineskins Convocation.Three representatives of Presbyterian denominations in Egypt, Brazil and Kenya were on hand to address the convocation.
“This is not about the New Wineskins Convocation,” Henderson said. “This is about the new wine. It’s important that we not lose sight of that. We are here because of the Gospel of Jesus Christ. We are here to present ourselves humbly before God.”
He prayed, “We belong to you. This belongs to you. We are silly, small-minded, shortsighted people. Without your love pervading all we do, this will be a wasted effort and will do nothing but to build further rancor.”